Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD have comorbid conditions like major depression (Kessler and co., 2006). Many patients do not respond to depression medications and may be able to benefit from psychotherapy.
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate and increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can take a variety of medications that are used for ADHD in children. However the dosages are different and the drugs can cause side effects that are not common in children. A doctor will look at the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health conditions to determine which medicine is most suitable for them.
The most well-known ADHD medication is a stimulant. It works by adjusting the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly called Adderall) boost the supply of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in a variety of forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. These long-acting stimulants are favored due to their improved patient compliance, and an easier, longer-lasting improvement in symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatric issues be treated first, and then medication utilized as a secondary measure. The medications that can be utilized to treat comorbid disorders of mood are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion (Wilens, 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit some patients may experience a "rebound" effect where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medication or take it because of the misuse of drugs or other health issues like heart or hypertension problems that are severe. In these instances, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can be effective. These drugs do not have the same high rates of side effects as stimulants, and are lower risks of misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help them gain techniques to improve their lives to manage anxiety and stress, work out conflicts, and deal with problems in relationships or at work. It can also help co-existing mental disorders like addiction and depression disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the notion that beliefs and thoughts can influence how someone is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT assists individuals in identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and then formulate and implement strategies to change them. The use of meditation techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help a person concentrate on their emotions and thoughts, control impulses, and improve executive functioning. Schema therapy, as well as other forms of psychotherapy focused on the family history of a person may be useful for people who suffer from ADHD who have significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can help with specific ADHD issues, like difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also assist with forgetting important dates and obligations and making impulsive choices that result in legal and financial issues. It can also assist a person explore and overcome issues that may cause ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress, such as exercise, sleep improvement and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to a family member or partner who is dealing with the effects ADHD has on their relationship. Family therapy and marriage counseling can assist families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients change their negative thinking patterns. It uses skill-based dialogue with a trained mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. The aim of this therapy is to correct limitations and implement strategies for coping that align with the daily routine of the client.
In addition to teaching clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, those who specialize in adult ADHD CBT help them develop abilities that enable clients to replace their negative thoughts with more productive ones. This process can take some time. It is a viable option for those who are unable to feel enough relief from their medications.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to CBT on its own in improving core symptoms, emotional symptoms, self-esteem and social functioning of adults with ADHD (Clarke et al. 2017). CBT combined with methylphenidate can be particularly effective for those with more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this kind of treatment work with clients to create an action plan to address their specific issues. They train them in a series of practical skills that are simple to master and have a high probability of success. A chart system is often used to track progress and reward positive behaviour. For an infant, this could involve a daily report that outlines all of the school-related activities or positive behaviors they need to accomplish and a method of monitoring and gaining rewards. Therapists can also consider the introduction of negative consequences if a child does not complete their tasks. This can be done with care and encouragement.
Metacognitive Therapy
A newer form of therapy, metacognitive therapy, helps people change the way they think. This kind of therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from a range of mental health problems, such as depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that helps people recognize negative thought patterns and their effect on their emotions. This kind of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are flexible and effective.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults suffering from ADHD. In order to do this we compared self- and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management, and Evaluation). The results indicated that comprehensive knowledge was linked to daily functioning among adults suffering from ADHD, but not regulatory processes. The predictive power of a model with metacognition predictors was moderate, suggesting that they can explain an important portion of the variation in the daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on transforming metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate states such as worry, rumination, and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on the model of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety disorder, however it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its efficacy for other disorders.
This study was created for evaluating the effectiveness of MCT to treat symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than other treatment. It is important to keep it in mind that this is not a cure for ADHD however it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the Therapist works with the entire family. Everyone can gain a better understanding of the client's issues and learn how to help their loved family members. It also assists them in dealing with their frustrations and build better communication skills. This type of counseling could also be used to address the underlying conditions, like depression and substance abuse which are frequently associated as a result of ADHD.
The therapist will commence with an intake session in order to gain a clearer understanding of the family's perception of the problem and assess their potential for intervention by the family. This can be done in person or online. The counselor will explain to each person the nature of treatment and the rules and regulations for family therapy.
A therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD will ask a variety of questions to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their history, and their impact on their work and family life as well as relationships. They will also inquire whether any other mental issues are present, such anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative thinking patterns and manage your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self-control by educating you on how to cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be paired with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help those with ADHD deal with emotional trauma from a long-running pattern of failure, underachievement academic issues frequent job changes, and conflicts in relationships. adhd treatment for adults can teach stress reduction and coping techniques, and how to manage your finances and time. It can also be used to address the comorbidities, like anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD.